SMALL OLD TOWN WINDOW VIEW (Upgraded photos)

At first I would like to say that I don’t speak English quite well for what I ask you to please excuse me.I’m posting this work in the CARVING item but I think it is not properly named. The piece that is a mix of woodworking jobs actually includes carving works, but a lot of sculpting, whittling and mainly intarsia, as well.The piece shows a view of an old colonial Brazilian town called Ouro Preto (Black Gold). The outside scene is viewed from a window which leaves open and close normally and lock by the action of an internal small mechanism. All woods I used are solid and were assembled in their natural colors, with no dies or pigment of any kind. I used about 20 different wood species in order to better reveal contrasting colosr between adjacent pieces and to increase the sensation of perspective. The view of the city consumed about 3500 independent interlocked pieces glued on a MDF substrate. The window was made using solid Brazilian Rosewood (Dalbergia Nigra). The window itself, with the city view were assembled on a solid piece of Brazilian Mahogany, worked with a torch and then rasped with a rough steel brush.I took some more photos when making the whole work in order to better register the several stages of construction.Since the WINDOW was made to be a gift to my daughter I could use some intimacy and because of that I “signed” the work with the design of my own profile carved and (some what) hidden in the scenario.Marco Aurelio R. Guimarães- Belo Horizonte, MG, BRAZIL

Marco, your English is very good but your craftsmanship is beyond belief!! Some of the finest artwork I’ve ever seen in this medium. It’s hard to believe that you did no dying on this piece. Totally remarkable.

Absolutly amazing!!!! I know of only one person who has done such excellent work, and he has passed away I’m sure. This is stunning, and will be in my favorites for all time. It is hard to find the words to express my feelings of your talent.

Your work is truly amazing. No dyes or stains? WOW – A true labor of love – your daughter is a very very lucky person. Thank you so much for sharing – do not worry about your english – your work speaks across all borders and languages. Doug in AZ.

This is a beautiful piece. As a non-carver I have always admired those to whom this talent has been gifted. This is one of the finest examples of carving and intarsia that I have had the privilege to see. I am sure that your daughter will adore this gift, which undoubtedly will be a family heirloom.

Marco, I want to thank you for sharing this wonderful piece.

-- Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful- Joshua Marine